If you qualify as a music creator or as a music publisher, you should join SOCAN. The following criteria determine your eligibility:

A music creator (composer, songwriter or lyricist) is a Canadian or landed immigrant who has:

• created a musical work or part of a musical work that has been published by a music publisher, or
• created a musical work or part of a musical work that has been recorded, or
• created a musical work or part of a musical work that has been or will be performed in a public forum (including radio, television, film and live performance) subject to licensing by SOCAN.

A music publisher has signed contracts showing he/she has been assigned rights to either:

• five or more copyright musical works written or co-written by a SOCAN member or by a Canadian who is a member of another performing rights society, or
• one or more musical work(s) written or co-written by a SOCAN member or by a Canadian who is a member of another performing rights society, featured on a commercial recording, or
• one or more musical work(s) written or co-written by a SOCAN member or by a Canadian who is a member of another performing rights society, included in a film or television cue sheet.

For composers, songwriters or lyricists who apply online, membership is free.

For music publishers, there’s a one-time membership fee of $50 CDN (plus applicable taxes), and you can apply online . That’s the only fee, and if you incorporate, amalgamate, change your name or make any other changes, you don’t have to re-register or pay another fee.

For more information, you can see how membership works or have a look at our most frequently asked questions.